Tuesday, October 31, 2006

To me, no home is complete without a fully stocked bar (perhaps this is a result of my days attending a university known for its partying!). For those of you who do not have the space for a built-in bar, why not try a bar cart? The ultimate cart for me would be of the antique chrome and glass variety. Until I have found "it", I'm thinking of purchasing one from Restoration Hardware. The Hanover Bar Cart is rather glamorous and looks quite similar to those I've seen in the auction catalogues. I might even consider replacing the clear glass with smoked glass.

For one's bar accoutrements, decanters are a must. While cut-crystal decanters are great, I am partial to rather plain ones; plain does not, however, mean boring. Moss, one of my favorite design stores in New York, has a beautiful crystal one made by Lobmeyr of Austria. Part of the Ambassador series, it was designed in 1925. It is very simple and very chic.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

I had to share with you photos of one of my very favorite rooms- Billy Baldwin's living room.

I think the dark brown walls are so rich and are especially enhanced by the simple cream- colored slipcovers on the furniture. The Coromandel screen adds just the right dash of Chinoiserie flair. I am also a fan of the oil painting of the dogs which was displayed above his sofa (some of you may recall a spread that appeared in Elle Decora few years back- it was the apartment of decorator James Andrew, who had bought this very same painting!). Of course, there are the classic Billy Baldwin brass bookshelves (first designed for Cole Porter, I believe) that, coupled with the right lighting, gave real warmth to the room. All in all, an example of decorating perfection!

I had always been under the impression that the party was quite lavish. This, however, was not the case. Elegant, yes, over the top, no. Decorations were rather simple. There was a midnight buffet which included eggs and biscuits, but Capote added two rather unorthodox dishes to the menu- chicken hash and spaghetti and meatballs. The chicken hash was a specialty of the Plaza and was one of Capote's favorite dishes.

I thought I would share the recipe for the chicken hash (courtesy of Davis' book), which might be perfect for a cold evening (dieting is suggested after consuming this rich dish!).

Monday, October 23, 2006

Much has been written about Sofia Coppola's new film "Marie Antoinette". Many reviewers have remarked about the bright pastel colors of the costumes and set design (reportedly inspired by the color of Laduree macaroons).

I recently saw a still photo from the film in which Marie Antoinette (played by Kirsten Dunst), is surrounded by lavish desserts and cakes. I immediately thought of the wonderful Pierre Frey fabric Gourmandise. The recently expanded line now includes tablecloths, china, trays, and pillows.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Carolyne Roehm's new Fall 2006 entertaining and gift collections have just been added to her website. She has three new collections: Louis XVI, Tapestry, and Luxe. There are so many beautiful items that I'm adding to my Christmas wish list, most especially her new line of Chocolate Limoges china.

The rich chocolate color with gold is so elegant. I'm really crazy about the tureen. Or, if you would prefer a pop of color, you may be interested in the Brique Limoges line- the coffeepot and demitasse sets would like so pretty on a tray for after-dinner coffee.

If you're interested to see what Roehm's own home looks like, there is a new interview with her on newyorksocialdiary.com- this is the first in a series of interviews entitled "The Way They Live". There are numerous pictures of her very stately and elegant New York apartment. Also make sure to read the interviews with various New York decorators that were part of their New York Social Diary Decorator series. There is a recent interview with one of my favorite designers Miles Redd.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

While they may look a bit like theater props, I really like the feminine and whimsical design on the wooden background- a bit of Rococo! And the silver tole adds a splash of shine! They look like something that Dorothy Draper might have used in one of her early installations.

Monday, October 09, 2006

I never stop dreaming aboutthrowing the perfect party. My favorite part of entertaining is planning the tablesetting. I don't think that my efforts could compete, however, with those of Los Angeles based decorator Mary McDonald.In the December 05 issue of Town & Country, there was a spectacular spread of McDonald's festive Christmas party. Her tablesettings are absolutely stunning. The combination of the silver platters and trays, the dark wood table, and the touches of green (in the apples and the candles) creates a traditional and sophisticated setting. In my mind, there is no such thing as too much silver!

I especially like the dessert table. Once again, beautiful silver and porcelain decorate the table, which only enhances the yummy berry tarts and the croquembouche. I just wonder how McDonald will be able to top this at her next party!

And for those of you who think that subtlety is for the birds, why not throw this wild tiger rug down in your entryway or in front of the fireplace? Definitely not for the faint of heart. (Available at Jacques Carcanagues Inc. )